The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act.

¶ 02 Our sports sector is advancing. Athletes competing nationally and internationally must have clarity on prohibited substances to protect their careers. Information on prohibited substances must be clearly provided in all three languages so Sinhala and Tamil-speaking athletes can know whether a substance is banned or not. This will strengthen sport.

¶ 03 In the North and East, many villages need sports development. Recently, in Batticaloa, at a pace bowling identification programme under Lasith Malinga’s supervision, a local bowler astonished with his speed. Many talented rural players lack opportunities and remain confined to their villages. As Government, we must provide facilities and training so they can progress in multiple sports, not just one.

¶ 04 We have athletes capable of representing Sri Lanka at the Olympics but lacking opportunity. Many poor rural athletes cannot afford equipment, shoes and other needs. With around 25% of people in poverty—more in rural areas—opportunities are rare. I request the Minister to pay attention.

¶ 05 In Batticaloa, cricket and football are growing, but grounds are few. There are no government-run grounds suitable for softball cricket, though lands have been allocated. Please act to establish them. Football is vital in our sports; many in Batticaloa train continuously but lack proper grounds, so talent remains suppressed. Some play even beyond 40 due to lack of pathways. Clubs like Padumeen Sports Club were once prominent but now participation dwindles due to lack of opportunity.

¶ 06 Areas like Paduvankarai and Eluvankarai have boys and girls excelling at school and provincial levels, bringing pride, yet lack proper structures. While clubs exist elsewhere, Paduvankarai still lacks a dedicated football club; a dedicated club for girls is also needed to provide training and direct entry into competitions.

¶ 07 Regarding fuel, the Government has managed the crisis and ensured supply, while managing prices to avoid undue pressure. Today, the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented reliefs—we extend thanks. Recently, many lands under military control in the North and East have been released, including in Batticaloa’s Murakkottanchenai, such as school lands and other camps. We thank the President and request that remaining occupied lands too be released.

¶ 08 Despite Opposition criticism, people know the truth and trust us; we continue to prove we are a people-friendly Government. Thank you.